Expore the chaotic and lively energy of this southern Italian gem when you spend 2 days in Naples Italy. There is something about this city that pulls you in and keeps you coming back for more.
This is an exciting, captivating, and wonderful city. Soak up 48 hours in Napoli and experience the wonders of exploring one of the oldest continually inhabited places on the planet.
Here’s how to plan an amazing Naples itinerary in two days, whether you’re on a solo travel trip or with others.
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What to Know About Naples, Italy
Located a couple of hours south of Rome, Naples is known for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, characterized by narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively markets. It’s unlike any other Italian city you will visit.
While this energy adds to the city’s charm, Naples isn’t a perfect city. Same when traveling in destinations like Barcelona, Paris, and Rome where pickpocketing is prevalent, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution, especially in crowded areas. This anti-theft crossbody bag will help (thank me later).
Be mindful when crossing the street as drivers in Naples love to swerve around other cars and motorbikes, speeds, and not stop at pedestrian crosswalks. You basically just have to make a go for it. Follow locals when in doubt.
Also, make trying an authentic Neapolitan-style pizza a priority during your 2 days in Napoli. But that’s not all – seafood, traditional pastas, and local pastries are also up there. Opt for pizza for lunch and choose pasta or seafood for dinner.
How to Get to Naples
If you are coming from Rome, you can take the train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. There are usually Trenitalia and Italo trains available.
The cheapest trains from Rome to Naples are the Trenitalia Regionale trains that cost around €14 for a standard single ticket. They are longer, taking just under 3 hours to reach Napoli Centrale.
Otherwise, I recommend taking the Intercity train. It costs about €10 more but takes one hour less, reaching Naples in 2 hours.
The fastest train to Naples are the Trenitalia Frecciarossa trains. They take just over an hour but the price reflects that.
Find a train time that works for your 2 days in Naples Italy and reserve your train tickets in advance on Omio.
2 Days in Naples, Italy Itinerary – Day 1
Here’s how to start off your first 24 hours in Naples. You’ll be seeing a lot of the city center today, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Keep in mind most of this itinerary is based around a Naples solo travel trip.
Italian breakfast
Do as the locals do and enjoy a cappuccino or coffee of your choice paired with a croissant or pastry. I have a whole guide on how to order coffee in Italy.
There are a lot of local Neapolitan pastry options like zeppole di San Giuseppe (imagine a lemon creme-filled churro doughnut) or pastiera which is made with delicious ricotta and filled with sweetened fruit. It’s like a miniature pie.
Just about any bar/cafeteria near your accommodation will do the trick. Don’t stress too much about it. This is Italy and the coffee is good just about anywhere you go.
A few of the places I visited include Il Pasticcio, Caffè Dei Principi, and the cafe inside of Galleria Umberto. Pick a couple of places to try during your 2 days in Naples.
Castel Nuovo
Start your first day in Naples, Italy off with a visit to the enormous Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, a unique medieval castle that offers fantastic views of the city and Port of Naples.
It’s set in Piazza Municipio and has five round towers set around stone walls. I wouldn’t call it a “beautiful” castle but it is very interesting and being from the Middle Ages, I already knew I’d love it.
When you visit Castel Nuovo, check out the Cappella Palatina, or Palatine Chapel, to see stunning frescoes and explore the Armoury Hall, to see Roman ruins under its glass floor.
There is also a collection of works by Neapolitan painters in the upstairs portion of the castle. As I understand, this section is closed on Sundays.
Throughout your visit to Castel Nuovo, you can soak up gorgeous views of Naples and the bay.
Entry costs €6 and tickets can be purchased when you arrive at the castle. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days. Only open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Wander through the historic center of Napoli
One of my favorite things about traveling to Naples is wandering around. Naples has an entirely different feel from northern Italy and even nearby cities like Rome. There is something far more rugged and chaotic about Naples.
Pedestrian crosswalks aren’t much of a thing – cars and mopeds don’t stop unless you just make a run for it. You won’t really see this in the rest of Italy. It honestly reminds me of Marrakech in that way.
Naples is also known for its bustling street life, with vendors, motorbikes, and pedestrians filling the streets. Motorbikes swerve past cars and pedestrians, people drive fast, and the city feels alive.
Keep in mind that this kind of chaotic energy can be both exhilarating and/or overwhelming, depending on what you’re used to.
Overall, the city is dirtier and a bit more working class BUT those add to its character. I loved the energy, the thrill of it all, the sensory overload. For me, I felt like “I could belong here.”
So, that’s why I highly recommend you do a little carefree walk around the city center, strolling the hilly streets, watching locals hang their clothes on lines that flow from window to window, etc. Even with only a short time in the city, make a little bit of time for this type of exploration.
Of course, always use your best judgment and keep your belongings secure. There’s hardly a city in Europe that is free of petty pickpocketing.
But please note that I have NEVER had a problem in Italy. I’ve always felt safe, even doing solo travel in Naples.
Piazza del Plebiscito
During your walk, be sure to stop by Piazza del Plebiscito with 2 days in Naples, Italy. It’s the cities largest and most iconic square.
It’s the main gathering spot in the city and it’s home to San Francesco di Paola Basilica, Royal Palace of Naples, large statues, and more.
I love this square both day and night. At night, you might find locals sitting on the steps of the basilica.
You might like to hop on a Naples historic walking tour to learn more about the city as you explore.
Walk down Via Cesario Console
After passing Piazza del Plebiscito, you should walk down Via Cesario Console toward the statue of Augusto and the sea. From here, you’ll have some lovely views of the water, the Port of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius.
Grab a gelato at Gelati Trullati Truta on the way if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.
Once you make it to the end of the Via, take a right and continue toward Fontana del Gigante to see this fountain plus a view of Ovo Castle, or Castel dell’Ovo.
Lunch at a Neapolitan pizzeria
One of the best things to do in Naples is eat local Neapolitan pizza. Known for its simplicity, often just using a couple of toppings, pizza from Naples is considered to be one of the very best ways to prepare pizza.
You have several options for pizza places. There’s L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, made ultra-famous as it was mentioned in Eat, Pray, Love – though it was still a hot spot well before that book came out.
People say it’s the best pizza in the world, the best meal they’ve ever had, yada-yada. I’m sure it’s incredible, though during my time in Naples, I hadn’t been able to go. The lines were always too outrageous.
According to my research on the pizzeria in Naples, the main secret of Da Michele’s success is their use of natural ingredients and a timeless and traditional method of leavening pizza dough.
If you want to eat at Naples’ famous pizzeria, do expect a hefty line in order to do so. It’s going to be delicious, but you can find a lot of amazing pizza in this southern city without going there.
Maybe you arrive at Da Michele and see a huge line and with only 2 days in Naples, you don’t want to wait around. If that’s the case, go to Pizzeria D’Angeli practically right across the street.
The prices are good, the quality is there, and they have outdoor seating so you can people-watch and enjoy more of Naples.
If you have more time in the city, you could even do this lovely Neapolitan pizza making class. It’s only 2 hours so it won’t take too much of your day.
Galleria Umberto
One of the loveliest places to see is the stunning 19th-century shopping gallery, Galleria Umberto. It’s iconic for its glass dome roof and I personally loved the marble flooring design.
While here, you can shop around, grab a coffee as a digestivo after a delicious Neapolitan pizza, and just take in the beauty of this historic place.
I had coffee at Caffetteria Umberto and it was excellent. I loved getting to sit out in the gallery while reading a book – felt like a local!
The cafe also has Aperol Spritz and light bites, so even if you’re not in the mood for coffee, there are some other options.
Visit one of Naples' Catacombs
The catacombs in Naples are an underground network of ancient burial sites that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and religious traditions. Fantastic for a somewhat eerie meets fascinating experience!
These catacombs date back to the early Christian era and were used as burial grounds for Christians during a time when their faith was persecuted in the Roman Empire.
The catacombs – Catacombe di San Gennaro and Catacombe di San Gaudioso – have a very intricate layout with narrow passageways lined with tombs and chambers adorned with frescoes and religious symbols. When you visit, you can explore these underground tunnels, the ancient artwork, and old-world architecture.
It’s a unique way to spend 2 days in Naples, Italy offering a dive into the city’s history and cultural heritage.
To visit the catacombs, you will be required to book a guided tour. However, what’s cool is that your admission ticket will give you access to both of Naples’ catacombs (as long as you use it within 12 months).
If you can only visit one during your Naples itinerary, go with the larger San Gennaro. These were carved out during the 2nd century most likely for nobles before being available to Christians.
How to get to the catacombs
The catacombs are just outside of the main city center. So, to get there you can use public transport. Take the metro and/or a bus.
If you are going from Galleria Umberto, you can take the L1 metro at Municipio to Materdei, which is the closest metro to the catacombs. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk. I personally love the metro and don’t mind the walk.
However, there is also the 204 bus available. Get on at Monteoliveto – Federico II – Architettura (11 minutes from the Galleria) and ride it straight up to the catacombs at Capodimonte.
The San Gennaro Catacombs are open until 5 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. It is completely closed that day.
Side note about the Naples metro. I was blown away by the design of them. They’re like pieces of art, especially the Garibaldi stop.
Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara
This is a 1300s monastery that’s really popular for its beautifully tiled cloister garden and intricate tiling throughout much of the place.
There’s also a small archaeological museum, and sprawling orange trees, and it’s only €6 to visit.
Your first day is packed FULL so as to make time for you to visit Pompeii on day 2 of your 48 hours in Naples. You might not be able to see both the Santa Chiara monastery and the catacombs, so feel free to pick and choose what interests you.
However, if you are quick about it, you could visit the monastery before Galleria Umberto as it’s sort of between the pizzeria and the shopping gallery.
Santa Chiara is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2 Days in Naples Itinerary – Day 2
You 2nd day in Naples is an exciting one because you’ll be heading to the ancient city of Pompeii, which is just 2 kiometers from the center of Naples.
Naples to Pompeii Day Trip
One of the best things about visiting Naples is that you’ll be just around the corner from the ancient city of Pompeii, one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It’s only 20 minutes outside of the center, just on the other side of Mount Vesuvius – the volcano that destroyed this ancient city.
To visit Pompeii from Naples most efficiently, I highly recommend booking a Pompeii day tour. It will be a lot more immersive with a tour guide’s perspective but you’ll still have time to see stuff on your own.
Mount Vesuvius is also amazing when it comes to what to do in Naples. Luckily, this day trip to Pompeii includes a stop-over at Vesuvius. You’ll do a short walk up the crater that overlooks the Bay of Naples.
This tour starts around 9:30 a.m. and returns around 5:00 p.m., so you will be limited on time to see any last-minute places in Naples you might have skipped yesterday.
If you’re fine to skip walking on Mount Vesuvius, you can opt for this highly-rated half-day Pompeii tour from Naples that lasts only 3 hours.
Duomo di Napoli
The last place to visit during your Naples itinerary is a visit to the Duomo di Napoli, or Naples Cathedral.
It’s one of the city’s most impressive buildings, so it’s certainly worth seeing. Not to mention it’s one of the best free things to do in Naples.
I didn’t find the outside to be too spectacular but the interior is stunning, especially with its dome ceiling, intricate frescoes, and sculptures. The altar is also quite grand.
Plus, it’s open until 7:30 p.m. every day, so you can still see it with both Pompeii day trip options.
Where to Stay in Naples, Italy
Choose a great hotel or accommodation to make the most of your first time in Naples, Italy. Here are some of the best places to stay depending on your budget.
Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel: Set in a 17th-century building with some of the best views. There’s a rooftop terrace that looks out toward Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Stunning! Upscale, 4-star prices.
Grand Hotel Vesuvio: One of the most famous hotels in Naples, Italy, and it’s just a couple of minutes away from the Ovo Castle. The rooftop pool actually overlooks the historic castle.
Napoli Visit Home: More of a b&b style with private rooms/bathrooms with a shared lounge. It’s really tidy, well-designed, and has cute views of Naples. It’s one of the most affordable hotels in Naples with excellent rooms.
Tric Trac Hostel: One of the top hostels in Naples. It has a cool rooftop balcony, free breakfast, and shared rooms. Great for meeting people when doing solo travel in Naples.
Planning to visit Rome during your trip to Italy? See my guide on 3 days in Rome here.
What is the weather like in Naples?
The weather is typically mild winters and hot, sunny summers. Winter is generally a pleasant time to visit, although some attractions may have reduced hours or closures.
The spring season is ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoying outdoor dining.
Summer is hot and humid. This is a popular time for locals to retreat out of the city to the countryside or nearby beaches along the Amalfi Coast. This is also the busiest time for tourism.
Fall is a lovely time to visit Naples, with fewer crowds compared to the summer months and plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s cultural and historical sites without being bogged down by the heat.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about doing a 2 day Naples itinerary.
Are two days enough in Naples?
Yes, it can be! You can see most of the main city highlights in two days along with a trip to Pompeii.
However, if you like to take your time, there is a lot more to see in Naples than this itinerary I have provided. So, if places like the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the stone facade at Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo, San Carlo Theatre, or Galleria Borbonica Archaeological Museum appeal to you, it might be worth it to do 3 days in Naples instead.
How many days in Naples and Amalfi Coast?
Naples is located just above the Amalfi Coast, so it’s not uncommon to see both on the same trip. I’d recommend 2-3 days in Naples along with a two-day road trip/train ride to the Amalfi Coast. You might want more time in the Amalfi Coast if you’re visiting in summer and want to visit a lot of beaches.
How to spend 48 hours in Naples?
If you have only 48 hours to see Naples, you’re in for a lot of fun. Follow this itinerary to see Naples in 2 days while making the most of your time. You’ll even get to see ancient Pompeii along the way. Explore the city center, walk through the underground catacombs, eat Neapolitan pizza, and see the Bay of Naples – and we’re just getting started on how to spend 48 hours in Naples, Italy.
Wishing you an amazing trip to Naples and anywhere your Italia trip may be taking you! Comment below or reach out with any questions or recommendations for other travelers. Thanks for being here!
Is Naples safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, it is. It can be chaotic and overwhelming at times, but it is not an unsafe city for women traveling alone. Always be cautious, use common sense, and keep your belongings secure and tucked away to avoid any petty theft or pickpockets. Violent crime is not common.
